Sizes and shapes of sinks
These indicators are related to the main characteristics. It is worth deciding with them from the very beginning, so that later everyone would be convenient and comfortable in the kitchen space. The most common and demanded are considered to be:
You can opt for other shapes: oval, with rounded corners, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, trapezoidal, intricate. It all depends on your needs and preferences. The number of bowls can also vary. There can be two, three or one copy of them. They can be the same or different sizes..
Various forms of sinks for the kitchen
How to cut a countertop for a sink
Preparing a countertop for installing a sink is not a very difficult task, but rather painstaking, it requires diligence, free time and personal labor. A properly cut hole is a guarantee of the elementary installation of the sink, and as a result, getting pleasure from washing dishes.
To make the hole neat and correct, you need to follow these rules:
We outline the sink with a pencil along the contour
Penciled spot where the sink will bump
Cut out a hole for a sink through masking tape
Silicone edge finishing
Helpful information! The distance from the wall to the sink should exceed 10 cm, which will make it possible in the future, during its installation, not to allow vulnerable places to break or be damaged!
You can see more details on how to cut a hole for a sink in these
Equipment and tools for installing a sink
To cut a hole in the countertop for a sink, special skills and experience are not required. But the tools and equipment must be available..
First of all, you need to acquire:
- ruler;
- pencil;
- corner;
- level;
- tape measure;
- screwdrivers;
- rasp;
- screwdriver;
- adjustable wrenches;
- a set of wrenches;
- brush;
- a drill for woodworking with a diameter of 10mm;
- electric jigsaw;
- with an electric drill;
- PVA glue;
- appropriate sealant.
The tools must be of high quality so as not to spoil the whole process..
Flush-mount sink installation
In this case, as in the first, it is important to cut a hole in the countertop as accurately as possible. In this case, the main difficulty lies in the fact that, in addition to the main hole, cut small sides along its perimeter to match the dimensions of the sink sides.
The sink is inserted on top of the worktop and joins its sides with the recesses in the worktop, thereby becoming flush with it.
Flush-mounted sink
You can learn more about installing a washbasin flush with the countertop from the excellent
How to Cut A Counter Top For A New Kitchen Sink
Before you start to act, you must first properly prepare the surface. This means the following:
- a special and tool is taken and the areas of contact with the washing surface are worked out, and grooves appear corresponding to the thickness of the sides of the sink being installed;
- you need to deepen ideally along the entire perimeter of the built-in sink;
- it is worth noting that there are certain difficulties in such work, so all actions must be neat, well-coordinated, unhurried.
Installing a sink on top of a worktop
This procedure is the simplest, and even a non-professional can handle it..
The hole in the countertop is cut out in the manner described in the relevant section above. Moreover, light flaws in a couple of millimeters will not be very critical..
Silicone sealant is applied along the edge of the hole or on the sides of the sink. The sink is installed from above in the opening and is well pressed against the countertop. Excess sealant is removed with a rubber spatula.
Flush sink on top of the worktop
If there are additional clamps (e.g. legs) for the sink, they can also be screwed under the worktop..
Installation of a flush sink
For master classes on this simple method of installing a sink, see the following
Installing a sink under the countertop
With this installation, the countertop will rise above the edges of the sink. This type is used for furniture made of expensive materials, which has sophistication, attractiveness, rigor..
Sinks installed below worktop level
For this, special sinks are purchased for under-table installation. The sink is fixed with brackets or screws (for expensive materials – special self-tapping screws).
The holes for the sink in this version are cut out with special professional equipment (you can use a jigsaw with diamond-coated blades). The edges of the hole are very carefully sanded and covered with a moisture-resistant film or special means.
It is quite difficult to install this type of sink on your own. It is recommended to contact the professionals.
With this type of installation, the following points should be taken into account:
- you need to get an under-table sink of your chosen shape and tools for its installation;
- after the end of trimming, the edges must be treated with special means, which subsequently will not allow moisture to be absorbed and will repel it.
In the simplest version of installation of the undercounter sink, the countertop is cut out in the standard way, but from the inside of the countertop. The main thing is to measure everything in such a way that the sides of the sink are exactly along the cut hole – they do not protrude or fall behind it. The meaning of installation is that the sink will be screwed on from the inside of the countertop, and then it simply turns over and is installed on the kitchen set.
You can, of course, not turn the tabletop over, but work initially from the bottom, but in this case, the whole process will be less comfortable..
For more details about this method of installing the sink under the countertop, see the short
How to cut a hole in the countertop for a sink
The furniture industry offers a wide range of products to choose from, including kitchen sets. Their variety is impressive and you can choose anyone based on your preferences and financial capabilities. But in most cases, the sink is sold separately and installed by the purchaser independently. Therefore, you need to know certain rules and tricks for carrying out such a procedure, as well as have a certain set of tools..
- Kitchen countertop materials
- Sizes and shapes of sinks
- Equipment and tools for installing a sink
- How to cut a countertop for a sink
- How to cut a countertop for different types of inset sinks
- Installing a sink under the countertop
- Flush-mount sink installation
- Installing a sink on top of a worktop
How to cut a countertop for a sink
From our article you will learn how to cut a hole for a sink in the countertop with your own hands, without the help of specialists, what tools you will need for this.
Have you decided to cut a hole in the countertop yourself for a sink? If the work surface is made of glass, it is better not to even try to do this – entrust everything to specialists. At home, making a hole in a glass tabletop is extremely difficult (even almost unrealistic).
But if you have a countertop made of acrylic stone, MDF, wood or natural stone, this task is quite feasible..
How to cut a countertop for a sink: the necessary set of tools
To complete the work, you need to prepare the following tools:
Drill. For concrete stone countertops, grab the tool as hard as possible..
Drill with a diameter of 8-10 mm. For worktops made of MDF, natural wood or acrylic stone, a simple metal / wood drill will suffice. If you will be working with concrete, natural stone or quartz agglomerate countertops, buy a tool with a victor tip or diamond-coated.
A jigsaw, or an angle grinder, and ideally an electric milling cutter. To work with MDF or natural stone, a jigsaw or an angle grinder with the appropriate equipment (diamond wheel or file) will be enough. If the working surface is made of artificial stone, it is better to cut it with an electric milling cutter – it immediately removes the chamfer, relieving stress from the material, which minimizes the formation of microcracks.
How to cut a hole for a sink in a countertop?
It all starts with the markup. If there is a template in the sink kit, great. Apply it, circle it, and you can cut.
If there is no template, the hole is marked on the sink. Place it upside down on the countertop and trace along the contour.
IMPORTANT. It will not be necessary to cut along the contour obtained by tracing the sink. On the inside, parallel to this mowing line, you need to draw another one, stepping back from the outside 3-4 mm.
The markings are done, you can start cutting the countertop for the sink. To start the cutting tool, you need to make a hole in the table top. For this we need the same drill d 8-10. Usually they start cutting from one of the corners, respectively, and drill in it. Some people drill several holes that are connected when cutting. See how it suits you best. Now you can cut. The main thing is without haste.
Before you cut out a sink in your countertop, understand these important rules:
You need to drill the work surface from the front side. If you start from the back, chipping may occur when the drill comes out and ruins the appearance of the work surface..
Better to work with an assistant. He must hold the cut out part so that it does not fall off at the end of the cut. It is difficult to hold it on your own, especially if you are cutting a stone countertop. Otherwise, if the cut-out fragment falls, the product may be damaged..
How to cut a countertop for a round sink?
The principle of work is the same as in the case of shells of other shapes. The complexity can be caused by the smoothing of the edges. To avoid this, it is recommended to drill holes along the entire contour at a distance of about 5-10 mm, with which it will be easier to turn.
It can be seen that making a hole for a sink in a kitchen work surface is not a very difficult process. The main thing is to have a good tool and experience with it..
Installation of a sink and connection of communications
A drain is mounted to the bowl and, if provided by the design, a mixer (water tap). All gaskets are installed in the required sequence. Usually, the layout of the gaskets is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging of the mixer and drain siphon. Threaded connections are well pulled with wrenches or, if necessary, an adjustable wrench.
When buying kitchen furniture with such a surface, it is advisable to have a finished product that will only require connection to the water supply and sewerage system..
If there are no holes for water supply and sewerage in the structure on which the installation is planned, they should be cut out. They are done in the same way as for washing. It is drilled with a drill and an electric jigsaw cut out the opening of the required size. You can use a drill with a special drill – a furniture crown, just immediately take such a drill of the required diameter.
For this, the sink is used as a template..
The sink is fitted with a sealing tape supplied with the product. A small gap is left from the edge, which is subsequently filled with a sealant. Fasteners are being installed.
Some manufacturers and manufacturers of sinks include a template with the product itself..
Reapply the sealant to the contact points and allow it to dry slightly, 2-3 minutes. Install the product in place and stretch the fasteners. Fix the tabletop together with it in its place and connect the water supply hoses. Connect the drain. Once again go through the joints with a sealant, the excess must be removed.
Before cutting a hole in the countertop for a sink, the required hole is marked.
Necessary materials
The sealant is used to prevent moisture from entering the places of contact between the sink and the countertop. Water can damage the chipboard badly. Different surfaces have their own sealant. When working with an artificial stone, only silicone is used. Sealants containing alcohol are more often used for wood and plastic.
If you decide to cut a hole in the countertop for a sink on your own, you will need a special tool – an “angle grinder” with a diamond wheel.
The use of a sealant not only prevents unwanted water ingress. This also serves as additional strength to the connection..
If the sink is purchased separately and needs to be installed, it is advisable to entrust this work to professionals.
- electric drill
- electric jigsaw
- drill for wood with a diameter of 10 mm.
- set of wrenches
- brush
- adjustable wrench
- rasp
- screwdriver
When buying kitchen furniture with such a surface, it is advisable to have a finished product that will only require connection to the water supply and sewerage system..
Before cutting a hole in the countertop for a sink, the required hole is marked. For this, a template is made from cardboard or thick paper. Some manufacturers and manufacturers of sinks include a template with the product itself. If the option was chosen for installation on a tabletop and the sides are of sufficient width, you can markup without a template. For this, the sink is used as a template. With the upper surface, it is applied to the plane and traced along the contour with a marker or pencil. For ease of installation, it is advisable to remove the tabletop. Having stepped back 0.5 – 1 cm from the drawn line, a working contour is drawn along which the cut is made.
It will look more solid, but it will be more difficult to install a sink in it yourself..
Having marked the cutting line, the template is removed and you can start the process of cutting out the place for washing. A drill is used to drill a place for an electric jigsaw file, with a diameter of about 10 mm. For rectangular or triangular sinks, holes are made in all corners. If the product has a round or oval shape, one.
It is not difficult to install a sink in a wood or chipboard worktop, having the required tool and the simplest handling skills..
The hole and cut are made from the side of the laminate to prevent chipping. Using a jigsaw, carefully cut the required hole along the drawn contour. The electric jigsaw must be pressed firmly against the surface. The saw blade must run exactly at right angles..
The sink is fitted with a sealing tape supplied with the product.
While doing this work, the inner part to be cut should be supported. Or position the worktop so that the part does not fall off when you finish cutting. Abrupt separation of the remaining and removable part may cause the laminate to crack. Or part of the chipboard will break off.
You can use a drill with a special drill – a furniture crown, just immediately take such a drill of the required diameter.
If there is no room for such an arrangement, or the tabletop was not removed, use construction tape. Sawing is done in this case with stops. A cut is made for 10-15 cm, which is then glued with tape on both sides.
A drain is mounted to the bowl and, if provided by the design, a mixer (water tap).
After the cutting is completed, the sink is preliminarily tried on. It should fit freely, but the gap should not be large either. If it enters too tightly, you should expand the installation site with a rasp or jigsaw.
Having marked the cutting line, the template is removed and you can start the process of cutting out the place for washing.
Now you should carefully “sand” the inner end to which the sink will adjoin. This is done with fine grit sandpaper. The resulting dust is removed, and a thin layer of sealant is applied to the place of contact with a brush.
For ease of installation, it is advisable to remove the tabletop.
How to cut a sink hole in a worktop?
The furniture manufacturing industry provides a huge number of different kitchen furniture to choose from. Sometimes a dishwasher is offered separately, and is installed by the buyer himself. This does not require any special knowledge and skills..
If the sink is purchased separately and needs to be installed, it is advisable to entrust this work to professionals..
The tool for making the right hole is the simplest one. The question of how to cut a countertop for a sink is not very difficult. However, if you do not follow certain installation requirements, the installed equipment can be damaged..
The sequence and the manipulations carried out are similar to cutting a hole in a chipboard.
The tool in order to correctly make a hole, you need the simplest.
The place for the cutout is selected taking into account the minimum distance for draining water into the sewer and connecting the water supply.
It is better to do this outdoors, as there will be a lot of dust during the sawing process..
The sink can be installed in relation to the level of the work surface in the following ways.
- Below the countertop. This arrangement looks very impressive, but it will additionally require the use of a special tool. The sink itself must have a certain shape. In this case, it is fastened from below, with special fasteners. They are usually sold as a set. The open end must be impregnated with a water-repellent agent. Moreover, it must have sufficient thickness.
- On the same level. In this position, it is very important to correctly make the desired recess, equal to the thickness of the bead. It should be perfect around the entire perimeter of the sink to be installed..
- Above the worktop level. The tool for this type of installation is the simplest one. No special effort is required for this installation..
You will need to put on protective gloves on your hands, and protect your face with a special transparent mask-shield.
Sometimes a dishwasher is offered separately, and is installed by the buyer himself..
Installing a sink in a structure made of other materials
It is not difficult to install a sink in a wood or chipboard countertop, having the required tool and the simplest handling skills. A countertop made of artificial or natural stone installed in the cooking area will be more durable. It will look more solid, but it will be more difficult to install a sink in it yourself..
The use of a sealant not only prevents unwanted water ingress
When buying kitchen furniture with such a surface, it is advisable to have a finished product that will only require connection to the water supply and sewerage system..
Sealants containing alcohol are more often used for wood and plastic.
If the sink is purchased separately and you need to install it, it is advisable to entrust this work to professionals. In a stone processing workshop, craftsmen will perform the required work without damaging the surface. To do this, they have the appropriate skills and have the entire set of necessary tools..
Different surfaces have their own sealant.
If a decision is made to cut a hole in the countertop for a sink on your own, then you will need a special tool – an “angle grinder” with a diamond wheel. Great care is required when working with this tool. You will need to put on protective gloves on your hands, and protect your face with a special transparent mask-shield.
The sealant is used to prevent moisture from entering the places of contact between the sink and the countertop.
It is better to do this outdoors, as there will be a lot of dust during the sawing process. The sequence and the manipulations carried out are similar to cutting a hole in a chipboard.
The location for the cutout is selected taking into account the minimum distance for draining water into the sewer and connecting the water supply.
How to install a kitchen sink in a worktop: 5 easy steps
The times when the choice of plumbing equipment was minimal are long gone. Modern appliances are very diverse, so even the most experienced home craftsman sometimes does not know how to install a sink in the kitchen countertop. Consider the design features and step by step analyze the easiest way.
How to choose a sink under the countertop
- Overhead. Installed on top of the curbstone, completely cover it. Extremely easy to install. The main disadvantage is the presence of gaps between the furniture and the sink.
- Mortise. They are inserted into the hole provided in the base. Installation is a little more complicated, but the sections are reliably protected from moisture.
- Integrated. Practical sink / worktop combination. The side can be at different levels: flush with the table, below it, etc..
- Under-table. They can only be integrated into worktops with special properties: hardwood or stone. The edge of the bowl drops below the level of the base.
In practice, cut-in devices are most often mounted. They are durable and attractive, easy to use. The most demanded equipment made of stainless steel and artificial cast stone.
Stainless steel sinks are practical and beautiful
Installation rules for a kitchen sink
Before starting the installation work, it is worth deciding on the place where the structure will be built. It is usually tied to sewerage and plumbing. However, modern technology allows you to embed the device anywhere in the headset. When choosing an installation site, it is advisable to follow these recommendations:
- The bowl is placed as close as possible to the working area, so it is more convenient to cook.
- The design divides the work surface into two parts: dirty and clean. In the first, products are processed, in the second, they are served.
- Do not place a sink near a stove or refrigerator. It’s impractical.
- It is desirable that there be light where the bowl will stand. If necessary, equip additional lighting.
For a functional kitchen, it is best to choose a deep appliance: it will be possible to wash large dishes and other bulky items in it. The mixer should be chosen low – this combination will give a minimum of splashes during operation.
Making and applying a template
Ready-made template for washing
The process of installing a sink into a worktop consists of several stages. To do this laborious work correctly, you need to carefully cut a hole in the countertop, while it is advisable to adhere to the instructions below..
Need to indent
It is recommended to place the sink at a distance of 10 cm from the wall, which in the future during installation will protect vulnerable spots from possible damage.
- Once the template is ready, it’s time to use it. To make the layout of the tabletop, a template must be attached to its surface, while it must be motionless. After this operation, a contour is drawn. The same work is carried out if a factory template is available. You can cut immediately on the outlined mowing line. If cardboard is used or an inverted sink is outlined with a pencil on the countertop, additional work remains to be done. The fact is that the drawn line will repeat the edges of the sink, and its bowl will be inserted into the future hole. Therefore, you need to draw one more contour – the inner one. When drawing it, you need to take into account the distance from the edge of the sink to the fixing elements of the plumbing fixture. The result is a new template that focuses on the size of the bowl. It is applied to the surface of the countertop and a new contour is applied along which a hole can be cut.
- There is an option in which the cardboard template is attached to the surface of the table top and a hole is sawn along its edges. If you look at such work from a practical point of view, it is inconvenient – it is better to apply the contour with a pencil. When cutting along a drawn mowing line, there is a real chance of chipping at the inner edges of the tabletop. To avoid scrap, it is recommended to glue masking tape to the surface in the area of the outlined contour, which can be easily removed in the future. In order to start sawing, it is necessary to make a hole in the body of the table top with a drill from the inside of the drawn mowing line. A jigsaw file is pulled into the drilled hole, after which it is fixed in the tool. You need to cut carefully and without haste, since when pressed, the blade can go away from the intended contour.
- The resulting cut is cleaned with sandpaper, blown through and thoroughly lubricated with silicone. Thanks to this composition, the destructive effect of moisture on the cut surface is minimized. If any fragments of the furniture block interfere with the installation of the sink bowl, they must be carefully trimmed. Measurements for pruning must be done accurately – it is not recommended to do such work “by eye”. You need to know that when using the manufacturer’s template, cutting out the internal elements is much easier and easier, since such nuances are also provided for in its manufacture.
How is the sink installed in the countertop?
Often the installation of the sink is carried out by the manufacturer. But it happens that this service is not spelled out in the price list. Then this concern rests on your shoulders. But don’t worry. The installation of the sink can be done by hand, armed with the necessary tools and professional advice.
How To Cut a Hole For A Sink In A Laminate Countertop
The sink insertion includes several stages. Initially, you should make a hole in the middle of the pattern, then finish off the edges. The next step is to insert the sink, fasten its back side and seal the distance between the countertop curtain and the sink. The final stage is the supply of water and sewer communications.
The key to a high-quality sink installation is: reliability of fasteners, sufficient fit and high-quality sealing. Moisture is a rather aggressive factor affecting the kitchen countertop, especially if it is made of chipboard. High-quality installation will not allow the countertop to dry out or swell, which will extend the service life many times over.
Jigsaw hole
We cut with a jigsaw
Installation
Anchoring
Silicone can be used
Can be sealed with a sealant
Washer installed
How to make a sink hole correctly?
In order to make a hole in the countertop, you need an electric jigsaw. It is suitable for wood and chipboard worktops. If the tabletop is made of durable materials, then the jigsaw will not cope. First, 4 holes with a diameter of 1 cm are prepared at the corners of the rectangle, without crossing the line of the marking. Then a file with the required tooth length (2 mm) is put on the jigsaw. To avoid chipping on the front surface, choose the opposite direction of the tooth..
Holes are made to the left and right, and then the wooden plank is pulled with self-tapping screws across the sawn lines so that the cut part does not fall prematurely under gravity. The cut out part is carefully removed, and the exposed edges of the hole and irregularities are coated with liquid silicone.
Installation of a sink and connection of communications
This will require liquid silicone again. Having stepped back a couple of millimeters from the edge of the hole, we apply silicone with a flagellum in thickness just above the sink rim. Departing from the first one more centimeter, we apply another flagellum.
After half an hour, the silicone will dry and stop sticking to your hands. Then the sink needs to be inserted into the hole and the edges are well pressed so that the silicone strands take the shape of the sink, and leave for a few minutes. The sink is then removed and the silicone tested. If it is not violated, then everything is in order, and the sink will have a reliable additional side.
We attach fittings to the table top for installing a mixer and a hose. It is more convenient to attach the siphon to the installed sink. Many sinks have special loops for screw clamps in the shape of the feet. They help to tighten the sides to the table top.
Watch the video on how to embed a sink into a worktop
Installing a sink in a countertop – a do-it-yourself box on how to cut a hole correctly
How to properly and easily embed a sink into a worktop? This question is faced by everyone who has started repairs in their kitchen..
We will tell you in an accessible and detailed way how to do the installation correctly and quickly. Often the installation of the sink is carried out by the manufacturer..
But it happens that this service is not spelled out in the price list. Then this concern …
How to cut a countertop for a sink
Installing a sink in a countertop takes a lot of time and effort. But if you properly cut a hole in the furniture block and install it, washing dishes will not seem such a burdensome task. Next, we will talk about how to cut a countertop for a sink.